eNewsletter - January 2010
Concerned About Elderly Loved Ones Navigating the Snow?
Elderly individuals who slip on snow or ice can quickly lose their independence if they break a bone. Fortunately, Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Institute specialists find that short courses of physical therapy can reduce the risks of falling for those age 65 and up.
"Just three to four physical therapy sessions targeted at falls prevention will improve patients' mobility and increase their confidence in getting out of the house," says physiatrist Frederick Frost, MD, Rehabilitation Institute Vice Chairman. "This stalls a downward spiral of immobility and fear."
Preserving independence
Elderly individuals who have fallen in the past year, or who have ever been bruised or broken a bone falling, are at heightened risk – especially if their mobility is hampered by an orthopaedic, neurological or spinal condition.
Most therapists recommend the standard 15 Medicare PT sessions for elderly patients at risk of falls. But elderly patients don't like to inconvenience family members to drive them to and from the therapy gym, says Dr. Frost. Fifteen round trips seem daunting for working adults who already ferry their own children back and forth.
Short course, fast progress
"When you tell elderly patients that they only need to go to three or four sessions, they are happy to comply," says Dr. Frost. "And when adult sons and daughters hear that it will help their parents, they encourage it."
During the first session, physical therapists with a special interest in falls prevention evaluate patients' gait and balance. During the next session, patients learn simple exercises to do at home to improve their performance. At the third or fourth visit, patients are re-evaluated to see how much they have improved.
Aging patients are motivated
"Our patients invariably report improved mobility and confidence in their walking. Contrary to what many people believe, older people will do their exercises – they have the time and they're motivated," says Dr. Frost. "They want to keep their freedom."
For more information, visit Cleveland Clinic's Center for Specialized Women's Health.
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